Home Archives for babies

What Kind of Person Kills a Newborn Baby?

4

My daughter’s birthday was last week, February 26. Since she posted a picture with candles on her cake, I think she’ll be OK with me telling you I gave birth to her forty-six years ago. But like all mothers, when our children have birthdays no matter how old they are, we reminisce about their birth.

Where it took place.

How long or short was our labor?

Hearing our newborn’s first cry.

The nurse laying our precious gift from God on our chest as we kiss his or her cheek.

I remember like it was yesterday. Back then, we didn’t know if we were having a boy or girl, so I still have memories of the doctor holding her up and announcing, “It’s a girl!”

Then the nurse pronounced time of birth at 11:00 AM.

This year, Kim’s birthday fell on the day after Democrats in the US Senate blocked the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, which would mandate that doctors must try to save the life of a baby born after attempts at abortion.

[Tweet “Democrat endorsed legalized infanticide. Republicans voted in favor of bill to save innocent baby’s lives.”]

All Democrats, except for three, endorsed legalized infanticide: killing an infant. While all Republicans, except for three who didn’t vote, voted in favor of the bill to save innocent baby’s lives.

What Kind of Person Let's Newborn Baby Die?

Without the passage of the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, the doctor can legally ask the parents if they want their newborn baby to live or die. If the parent’s give the death sentence to their new baby, the nurse removes the baby and lets this precious creation of God . . . cry or choke to death.

Then the nurse pronounces the time of death.

[Tweet “Doctors can ask parents if they want their newborn baby to live or die.”]

What kind of doctor, who took an oath to save lives, looks at a newborn baby, and asks, “Should we let him or her live or die?

What kind of nurse participates in this barbaric killing?

What kind of mother who gave her baby life, carried her baby in her tummy, went through delivery, and heard her baby’s first cry instructs the doctor to kill her baby?

What kind of Senator knows that this bill has absolutely nothing to do with abortion laws, but everything to do with saving the life of a newborn baby, votes for infanticide?

What kind of “political base” could these Senators be trying to please, who expect them to vote against a  Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act,  which would have required that “any health care practitioner present” at the time of a birth “exercise the same degree of professional skill, care, and diligence to preserve the life and health of the child as a reasonably diligent and conscientious health care practitioner would render to any other child born alive at the same gestational age.”

What kind of country tolerates infanticide?

What kind of church leader doesn’t denounce infanticide?

My friend Patti Smith asks this same question in her blog Where is the Outrage of Church Leaders and Infanticide?

What kind of Christian does nothing?

Some friends who are speaking out have said they’ve taken a lot of online abuse from Christians who call this a “moral quandary” – and we should not judge others. I suggest they ask their critics, “So do you consider it judgement or a “moral quandary” to try and stop someone from being murdered?”

Then ask: “If abortion wasn’t legal, would you still think it was okay for a woman to have her baby burned, poisoned, or torn apart? Is it a moral quandary for that baby with a beating heart, who feels pain and is trusting his mommy’s tummy is the safest place in this world, to have a chance at life?”

Our job as Christians is to live by God’s ways, not compromise because they’re not popular.

[Tweet “Our job as Christians is to live by God’s ways, not compromise because they’re not popular.”]

Anyone who says they’re a Bible-believing Christian and refuses to take a stand against abortion, late-term abortion, and now infanticide is falling into Satan’s trap: “Did God really say that we shouldn’t kill, inside or outside the womb, His babies made in His image?” Yes, He did.

Christians must fight for the sanctity of life at all ages! With many Democrats threatening Socialism in America, how long will it be before the government decides how long you can live before you become a burden or inconvenience to society?

The Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act didn’t effect abortion; it was designed to protect the life of a baby that survives abortion. But here’s the fear of the liberal left and why they voted against it. If they agree that a baby is a human when it’s born after a botched abortion, it leads back to the argument that a baby is a human when the abortion was attempted in the womb. The Democrats couldn’t take the chance that the public might start thinking of unborn babies as humans, so they can’t recognize that the born infant is a human!

The Democrat’s rationale: If parents wanted assisted killing of their baby in the womb, they should be allowed to also have assisted murder of the baby if the abortion failed, and horror of all horrors, their baby lived!

We need to keep reminding the public that from the moment of conception in the mother’s womb, each baby has a unique genetic code with its own personal DNA and fingerprint. Scientifically, no one can deny that humanity is not determined on a sliding scale of whether you’re wanted or not wanted. The March for Life theme this year was “Unique from Day One!”

[Tweet “The Democrats couldn’t take the chance that the public might start thinking of unborn babies as humans”]

It’s unimaginable that we’ve arrived at a time in a supposedly civilized society where we’ve reverted to barbaric times when babies were drowned or left on a hillside to die if they weren’t wanted. Or like in the days of the worship of Bael, burned alive.

4 “‘For Israel has forsaken me and turned this valley into a place of wickedness. The people burn incense to foreign gods—idols never before acknowledged by this generation, by their ancestors, or by the kings of Judah. And they have filled this place with the blood of innocent children. 5 They have built pagan shrines to Baal, and there they burn their sons as sacrifices to Baal. I have never commanded such a horrible deed; it never even crossed my mind to command such a thing!” Jeremiah 19:4-5 NLT

When I visited with my daughter on her birthday, she said that before going to bed the night before, she had read the final Senate ruling on the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. She, like many of us, couldn’t sleep. She kept thinking of all the birthday wishes she would receive celebrating her life, while thousands of newborn babies would never see their first day of life because they were unwanted, an inconvenience.

No celebration of his or her life. No funeral. Their coffin a trash can. Nameless. The abortionist was supposed to murder the baby before it was born. Now they’re live human beings left to die, and maybe even dismembered and body parts sold.

What Kind of Person Let's a Newborn Baby Die?

Kim realized she has life because I wanted her and loved her. She has three children that she dearly loves, and her first child was adopted from a teenage mom who didn’t abort but chose to give her baby life and give our family a blessing.

[Tweet “How could a mother who gave birth to her child choose death for that child?”]

It was hard for Kim to reconcile, as it is for any of us mothers, that a woman could give birth and then choose death for her child.

With states like New York passing laws that a baby can be aborted up and through delivery, and now infanticide, the one hope we can cling to is that the public will become outraged and no longer able to ignore the atrocities of abortion.

A civil society doesn’t kill its babies in the womb or in the world.

[Tweet “A civil society doesn’t kill its babies in the womb or in the world.”]

And yet, Abortion is the Leading Cause of Death in 2018 with 41 Million Killed.”

“Globally, just under a quarter of all pregnancies (23 percent) were ended by abortion in 2018, and for every 33 live births, ten infants were aborted. There were more deaths from abortion in 2018 than all deaths from cancer, malaria, HIV/AIDS, smoking, alcohol, and traffic accidents combined.”

Listen to this interview of Ainsley Earhardt with a former abortionist as he describes why he stopped “murdering” other people’s baby boys and girls. You need to hear this. Have a Kleenex ready. Then support the upcoming movie Unplanned in which he plays the part of an abortionist. He’s not an actor, but who knows better how to portray the horror than someone who has experienced it firsthand.

I encourage you also to listen to an interview with Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act’s, chief sponsor.

Listen to a mother who almost aborted her baby until told by Planned Parenthood practitioners that if her baby was delivered alive, they would break it’s neck!

I hope the interviews and the movie trailer keep you up at night too. I hope you’re asking God what He wants you to do about this travesty. I hope you’re not thinking who are you to make a difference. You are a believer, that’s who you are, and that makes all the difference!

I hope you’re championing for life, because anyone of us could be related to a baby who was left on a cold metal table to die and ended up in a trashcan, maybe torn apart.

What to Do With Your Anger Over Evil

Don’t Just Cry, Do Something!

I’m just a baby, without a voice
Life interrupted by another’s choice
My heart was beating…but now it has ceased
And my precious life didn’t end in peace
I cried and I cried…but to no avail
Couldn’t you hear me? Why did you fail?
To give me a chance to sing my own song
I could have dreamed dreams, but now they are gone
I was a baby…but now I’m no more
Life interrupted by a vote on the floor
But I hold no grudge for the wrong that you’ve done
For I’m now in the arms of Jesus, God’s son
With millions of others, who had the same plea
I’m just a baby…please look out for me.

Merissa Lee Kelley
Feb 28, 2019

“Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained
for me were written in your book before one of them came
to be.” Psalm 139:16

If you received this blog by email, please leave a comment here.

March 4, 2019
Return to top of page

In Today’s Culture, I Might Have Been Aborted

0

In Today's Culture I Could've Been Aborted

“I wouldn’t have had you if I knew I would be passing on health issues to you!” My mom said to me.

As states are rapid-fire passing abortion laws that allow babies to be aborted for any “health” reason, even up through and after delivery, my mother’s words echo in my mind. I was just a young girl and I tried to frame her words in love. But I wondered then, as I do now, why wouldn’t she want me? Were her words coming from a point of regret or concern about my future? She’s gone now and I never asked.

[Tweet “Ultrasounds have made strides in helping to determine when a heart starts beating as new parent’s excitedly watch the development of their baby in mommy’s tummy.”]

Ultrasounds have made strides in helping to determine when a heart starts beating as new parents excitedly watch the development of their baby in mommy’s tummy. There are so many benefits of ultrasounds, especially in letting hesitant mommy’s know their baby is not just tissue or a fetus, but a kicking, smiling, yawning, sleeping, squirming baby boy or girl.

Ultrasounds and amniocentesis also detect early developmental issues. Often a baby’s life can be saved by intrauterine surgery or detecting that the mommy needs to be on bedrest.

[Tweet “Before ultrasounds detecting problems babies would have a chance at life. Today doctors encourage fearful parents to abort “and try again.””]

But these same tests can detect problems that can’t be treated until the baby is born, or maybe not treatable ever.

Before intrauterine technology, those babies would have a chance at life. Today doctors might encourage fearful parents to “abort and try again.” Even though we read story after story of the doctor and the tests being wrong and a beautiful baby boy or girl surprises everyone. A baby almost killed because he or she might not be perfect.

I would’ve been one of those imperfect babies.

Today’s technology could probably detect that I would have a spine with severe debilitating congenital scoliosis. Doctors might have told my first-time parents that without treatment I would be deformed and why not “get rid of me and try again for a better baby next time.” But my mom was pregnant before ultrasounds. Parents had to anxiously wait until their baby was born to even know if they were having a boy or a girl. So I lived.

But as I grew, my mother continually told me to stand up straight and had me standing for hours with my back against the wall hoping my spine would straighten on its own. But it only got worse until doctors told her if I didn’t have surgery to put a metal rod down my spine or be put in traction and wear a plaster cast from just under my ears to my hip bones until I finished growing, my left arm would eventually drag the ground. There was no way to correct the S-shaped curvature, only stop it from getting any worse and I would endure a lifetime of back pain.

She probably repeated in her mind, “I shouldn’t have had you.”

In Today's Culture, I Could've Been Aborted Because I had a deformed spine

At Christmas with my younger sister. The plaster cast you see around my neck went all the way down to my hip bones. I’m bracing myself with my left hand because I could barely sit up.

Or maybe she would’ve started experiencing many of her “health issues,” and when she became pregnant, she didn’t want to pass them on to me. I would be better off not being born. Aborted.

When I had breast cancer three times after she was gone, had she been alive, she might have said again, “I shouldn’t have had you.”

But praise God . . . she did have me.

In Today's Culture, I Could Have Been Aborted

[Tweet “God had a plan for me like He has for every one of His creations and none of us are perfect.”]

God had a plan for me like He has for every one of His creations and none of us are perfect.

Mothers often express in delight, “My baby is perfect as they count ten toes and fingers, four limbs, two eyes, two ears, one nose and a mouth, but no one really knows what awaits each of us. And that’s a good thing. If we knew a two-year old was going to get cancer, would we not want to have those two precious years with our child? What about if doctors could predict asthma or allergies? Would those be considered enough “health issues” to abort?

Now that they can detect Down’s Syndrome and cleft palates, should those darling children not have a chance at life? Savagely, doctor’s give parents that choice today.

[Tweet “Every life has a purpose, and while we’d like our life to be pure joy and happiness, we’re all going to have challenges.”]

Every life has a purpose, and while we’d like our life to be pure joy and happiness, we’re all going to have challenges. God’s plan is for all His children to be a part of human history for however long or short our time on earth or how imperfect our bodies or minds.

It’s not our call to play God.

[Tweet “It is not our call to play God.”]

Here’s some ways God has used my less than perfect body.

  1. I had a beautiful baby girl, who could’ve possibly had scoliosis, but she doesn’t. I tried so hard to have her while I struggled with infertility and not once did I ever think, “Maybe God doesn’t want me to have a baby.” I love being a mother.
  2. My daughter has three beautiful children. I love being a grandmother.
  3. I have a godly husband who is devoted to Jesus and to me. I love being a wife.
  4. I had the opportunity to start the Woman to Woman Mentoring Ministry over twenty years ago and only God knows the number of women throughout the world who have been, and continue to be, blessed by mentoring relationships. I love being About His Work.
  5. At the age of 50, I became an author! September 2019 will be the release of my twentieth Christian nonfiction book, all written to the glory of God. I love being an author.
  6. I’ve had the opportunity to speak and encourage women throughout the United States and Canada about how to live a life for Christ. I love speaking and mentoring.

It’s true I’ve had, and continue to have, many health issues, but I’m so glad my mother did choose to give me life.

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
    and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
    Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.

Psalm 139:13-14

In a recent post Don’t Just Cry About It, Do Something, I said one of the things we can do is put a face to the inhumanity of abortion by telling our stories. I’m sure all of you have a story to tell too of someone, maybe you, who might’ve been aborted today. Share with us your story in the comments and tell someone else today! You might just be saving an unborn life.

If you received this blog by email, leave a comment here.

*Opening picture is from the Christian Conservative

February 18, 2019
Return to top of page

What to Do with Our Anger Over Evil

6

What to Do With Our Anger Over Evil

In all my years on Facebook, I can never remember using the angry emoji . . . until the past few weeks, and I see that I’m not alone. None of the other emoticons express how strongly I feel about the atrocities of people celebrating infanticide, the outrageous behavior of legislators, and the liberal left lobbying to bring Marxist, Nazi Socialism and Communism into America!

[Tweet “The liberal agenda is like we went to sleep one night in the USA we love and woke up in the Twilight Zone.”]

The liberal agenda is like we went to sleep one night in the USA we love and woke up in the Twilight Zone.

While watching our grandkids a few weeks ago, Dave and I got hooked on the TV program Manifest where an entire plane disappeared for five years and then suddenly reappears. The passengers haven’t aged, but the world has changed during their absence. Many of them feel a “calling” they can’t ignore to help people. The program leaves you wanting to see the next episode, but at the same time it’s all unbelievable.

Except for the not aging part, as we hear and see unbelievable craziness in our country, I keep thinking this all has to be a nightmare. I’ll wake up and we will have returned to the American democracy I grew up in and loved. But I get up, have a cup of coffee, check out the day’s news, and realize it’s even worse than the nightmare, but I feel a definite calling to do something about it!

[Tweet “Liberal atheistic progressivism has been steadily creeping into our country.”]

The Current Craziness Didn’t Just Happen

Liberal atheistic progressivism has been steadily creeping into our country. The idea that government rules the people and God is a myth.

Statistics about Planned Parenthood’s increase in abortions and the undercover videos of their doctors and administrators casually talking about selling baby parts alarmed us for a few weeks. Then it’s back to daily lives.

The police force we all depend on to protect us and maintain safe environments, the first people we call when our lives are threatened, became the object of ridicule and their lives threatened. They receive orders to “stand down” when conservatives are being attacked.

Wealthy athletes, who made a fortune from their God-given gift of excelling at a sport, kneel for the flag and boycott the National Anthem that represents the American freedom that allows them to be so disloyal to the country that gave them fame.

[Tweet “A “New Green Deal” sounds like a Sci-Fi novel. The location can’t be the USA?”]

A “New Green Deal” sounds like a Sci-Fi novel. The location can’t possibly be the United States?!

It all brings back memories of the Left Behind series, which foretells the coming of the Anti-Christ who takes over during the Tribulation. Honestly, that doesn’t seem too far fetched or far off today with all the push towards globalism.

The Anti-Christ hasn’t appeared yet, but there’s a spirit of anti-Christ among us and Satan is emboldened. “Dear children, the last hour is here. You have heard that the Antichrist is coming, and already many such antichrists have appeared.” 1 John 2:18

And so we feel angry because it seems like the world is spinning out of control and there’s so little we can do about it. Along with the angry emoji’s, I also see a number of crying faces. 😢

When you read articles like a testimony from a former abortionist nurse who was pro-choice until instructed to put a live baby, who survived an abortion, into a room, shut the door, and let it cry itself to death. . . now you’re crying and angry.

What Should We Pray?

In my blog of January 28, Don’t Just Cry, Do Something, I listed 14 things we can do after we’ve had a good cry. Many have shared this blog. Prayer is the first thing I list, but what do we pray? Romans 8:26 assures us, “And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.”

Read your Bible as you pray. God leads us through His Word to His will as the Holy Spirit prompts us when we ask, “God what do you want me to do?” Then we do it!

One of the prayers that the Bible tells us to pray is hard when we’re angry, but I know many of you are praying for those we’re watching do evil in the eyes of the Lord.

“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. 44 But I say, love your enemies![b] Pray for those who persecute you! 45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. 46 If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. 47 If you are kind only to your friends,[c]how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. 48 But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect. Matt 5:43-48

Jesus Was Angry

Righteous anger can be what motivates us to pray and participate in justice. When Jesus saw the moneychangers at the Temple, he was extremely angry and took action.

In the Temple area he saw merchants selling cattle, sheep, and doves for sacrifices; he also saw dealers at tables exchanging foreign money. 15 Jesus made a whip from some ropes and chased them all out of the Temple. He drove out the sheep and cattle, scattered the money changers’ coins over the floor, and turned over their tables. 16 Then, going over to the people who sold doves, he told them, “Get these things out of here. Stop turning my Father’s house into a marketplace!” John 2:14-16

When his friend Lazarus died, Jesus was angry.

When Mary arrived and saw Jesus, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died.”

33 When Jesus saw her weeping and saw the other people wailing with her, a deep anger welled up within him,[a] and he was deeply troubled. John 11:32-33

Reading different commentators, many believe that Jesus’s anger in John 11 was targeted at the one who causes death, Satan.

Scott Duvall wrote in Angry at Death: Reading John 11: “However, it is best, I think, to regard Jesus’s anger as directed against Satan, the Evil One himself, who presides over the realm of death, wreaking havoc throughout God’s good creation.”

Timothy George wrote in the Roar Heard Around the World: “But in John 11, this encounter takes place in the arena where Satan is deemed to be strongest, at his most unassailable fortress, in the realm of death. . . . What we have here is not so much a sudden upset as an ‘undying hostility to the forces of evil, coming to the surface at the very sight of them. ‘Calvin’s comment on this text is telling: ‘Christ does not come to the sepulcher as an idle spectator, but like a wrestler preparing for the contest. Therefore, no wonder that he groans again, for the violent tyranny of death that he had to overcome stands before his eyes.’”

It’s Ok to be angry at Satan, the creator of evil, death, and chaos.

Anger at the legislators, abortionists, pro-choice, liberals, progressives, and biased media . . . is natural, but maybe misplaced.

Whenever I hear, “The media is the enemy of the people,” my response is, “The media isn’t the enemy. Satan is and he’s using them as his mouthpiece and emissaries of evil.” Sadly, they just don’t know it. Pray for their eyes to be opened, just like God opened the eyes of the apostle Paul on the road to Damascus. It happened then, it can happen now!

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor [Eph. 6:13-18] so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we[a] are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:10-12

I hope some of you reading this blog will share in the comments how you’re praying and what you’re praying. It would help believers across the nation to pray in one accord.

How are you turning your anger into positive action?

What are you doing to counter evil?

If you received this blog by email, please comment here. And please feel free to share wherever the Lord leads you.

*All Scriptures are NLT

February 11, 2019
Return to top of page

What a MAGA Hat Means to Me

8

What a MAGA Hat Means to MeI was encouraged reading some of the responses to last week’s blog Don’t Just Cry, Do Something addressing the horrific atrocities of late term abortion being celebrated in New York and the proposed bill in Virginia to allow birthed babies to be killed. I gave 14 suggestions to stopping the murder of innocent babies at any stage of development. People did do something in Virginia and that bill didn’t pass because Republicans have a small lead in the state legislature, but every Democrat voted for it!

But as might be expected, I had followers also unsubscribe.

That’s OK and I expect the same thing this week. But call me an “About His Work” rebel, I cannot be silent. Again, I prayed about what I should write, and yesterday I heard from the Lord loud and clear. I couldn’t take notes fast enough. There’s so much to say on the topic of why the MAGA hats are controversial, but others have already written and spoken many of my thoughts, so I’m going to give you links to check out.

The first one is from a favorite FOX commentator Laura Ingraham, “The Hat that Dare Not Show It’s Brim,” and on the same link, you’ll see an article by Kristin Hawkins “Why I wear a MAGA hat these days (and I didn’t start out as a Trump fan).”

Why Are MAGA Hats Controversial?

Several weeks ago, Covington High School boys, who had just participated in the March for Life in DC, were wrongly slandered and mischaracterized by the media and others who didn’t bother to obtain the facts. The boys were judged and accused of racism simply because they were Christian, Pro-life, and wearing MAGA hats.

I asked the question on Facebook, “I don’t get it? Why are MAGA hats considered racist?” I honestly didn’t make the connection.

I was shocked to hear that some people equate President Trump’s slogan Make America Great Again with going back to the days of slavery?!! Say what? No one except the liberal media, never-Trumpers, and the far left would equate MAGA with the days of slavery. So I thought . . . until some conservatives said they did too?! Where did that thinking come from?

Ah . . . it had to come from listening and believing liberals and biased media who call MAGA hat wearers Nazi’s, misogynists, haters, racists . . . and often vile names. Simply because they support President Trump.

Let’s step back and ask why.

Why? Because Make America Great Again #MAGA was a successful campaign slogan for President Trump, and they don’t want him to win again.

[Tweet “If the left could intimidate and create fear in Trump supporters, they could silence them.”]

So they had to demonize what worked for him. They hate our President for his success and they’re insanely jealous.

If they can intimidate and create fear in Trump supporters, they can silence them. Take away our First Amendment right to free speech by encouraging their followers to shame and harass anyone bold and brave enough to wear a MAGA hat or even use #MAGA.

Whatever slogan President Trump comes up with for 2020, they’ll try to create the same brainwashing, shaming, anti-Trump drama because sadly, it’s working. There’s been very little pushback.

[Tweet “When a party uses bullying tactics, it’s because they’re trying to cover up their own bad motives that they’re projecting onto the opposition.”]

When a party uses those kinds of bullying tactics, it’s because they’re trying to cover up their own bad motives that they’re projecting onto the opposition. What the liberals are doing now is exactly what Nazis did . . . suppress the opposition, silence Christians and conservatives, then subtlety, and strategically, take over.

[Tweet “What liberals are doing is exactly what Nazis did . . . suppress the opposition, silence Christians/conservatives, then subtlety, and strategically, take over.”]

Notice that the Democratic Party has gone so far left, they’re trying to bring to America Marxist socialism where the government controls the people. Suppress successful capitalism and entrepreneurship, the very reason so many people want to come here. What the liberals aren’t saying is the only way to offer all the “freebies” is to tax the people, rich and poor. In Sweden, everyone making over $32,000 a year pays 68% of their income to taxes!!!

But I digress . . . that’s for another blog.

Last week, a restaurant owner said no one wearing a MAGA hat was welcome in his restaurant: “It hasn’t happened yet, but if you come to my restaurant wearing a MAGA cap, you aren’t getting served, same as if you come in wearing a swastika, white hood, or any other symbol of intolerance and hate”.

In his apology, he said his comment was meant to “reject” the anger, hate, and violence he says he associated with the red “Make America Great Again” Then his staff and partners convinced him he was the one showing hate and intolerance and he apologized.

I imagine if you asked him why he had that perception of the MAGA hat and what examples he could give of someone showing anger, hate, and violence wearing one, he wouldn’t be able to come up with any specifics. In fact, he admitted it had never happened to him.

And yet, we’ve seen footage of numerous examples of left-wing Antifa members dressed in black with masked faces beating up people, destroying property, setting fires, breaking windows, damaging business buildings and store fronts, burning cars . . . yes displaying anger, hate, and violence . . .  why aren’t businesses banning and denouncing Antifa?

Why aren’t the mainstream media and Democrats denouncing Antifa? Ah, could it be because they’re doing their dirty work for them.

Here’s what Make America Great Again and a MEGA hat means to me.

  1. We don’t apologize to the rest of the world for being a successful prosperous nation.
  2. We respect and appreciate men and women who protect our safety, both the military and police force.
  3. We respect the flag, the Pledge of Allegiance, the National Anthem (like at this Iowa High School Basketball game), the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
  4. We remember our Judeo-Christian roots based on God and the Bible and aren’t afraid to say, “Merry Christmas” and “Jesus loves you.”
  5. We value the sanctity of life and allow every conceived baby the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Where infanticide is a crime.
  6. We protect our borders against those who want to do us harm, while welcoming those who want to enter our country legally and contribute to the American way of life.
  7. Cities don’t protect and harbor illegals with histories of violence and breaking the law.
  8. One party doesn’t encourage their constituents to harass and harm the opposing party.
  9. Freedom of speech is honored for both liberals and conservatives who can have civil debates.
  10. Colleges are intuitions of learning and not liberal indoctrination.
  11. The media and news report proven unbiased facts, not opinions and fabricated stories.
  12. Churches don’t have to have armed guards.
  13. Bibles and God are allowed in schools.
  14. You are gender by birth: male or female.
  15. You can wear a MAGA hat without backlash or fear.

[Tweet “Pres. Trump spoke about Jesus, shared the Gospel, and supported Christians more than any other president in history.”]

President Trump openly speaks about Jesus, shares the Gospel, and supports Christians more than any other president in history.

It’s our job as Christians, whether or not you like President Trump, to counter with the truth against the liberal and media lies. Denounce those who use “racism” over what flavor ice cream our President chooses or color the White House Christmas trees are, while they’re lighting up the World Trade Center monument in pink to celebrate murdering babies.

What A MAGA Hat Means to Me

One of the first orders of business in the Democrat run Congress was an attempt to eliminate “so help me God” when someone testifies in front of Congress. It didn’t pass, but they tried.

Consider that the American people of all races will be the ones held in bondage in an anti-MAGA, Socialist, Democrat controlled government. Is that really the country you want to live in?

[Tweet “Let’s work together to make America not only great again, but always!”]

Let’s work together to make America not only great again, but always!

Here’s the link again to a great article, Why I Wear a MAGA Hat These Days.

I want to hear what MAGA means to you.

If you received this blog by email, leave a comment here.

February 4, 2019
Return to top of page

10 Ways To Teach Babies, Toddlers, And Young Children Biblical Principles by Lee Ann Mancini

3

Our guest blogger this week is Lee Ann Mancini whose new book Forever With Jesus released earlier this month. Lee Ann shares my heart for reaching the next generation for Christ, and the earlier we start with our children and grandchildren the better. She offers some great ideas complete with websites of ways to introduce young children to the love of Christ in ways they will understand and appreciate. Enjoy and share with everyone who has children in their life! Also a chance to enter a drawing for a free copy signed by Lee Ann. Just leave a comment. Would make a great birthday, Christmas, or baby shower gift!

10 WAYS TO TEACH BABIES, TODDLERS, AND YOUNG CHILDREN BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES USING TOOLS CHILDREN WILL LOVE!  

By Lee Ann Mancini

HOW TO TEACH BABIES, TODDLERS AND YOUNG CHILDREN BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES USING VARIOUS TOOLS CHILDREN LOVE! by Lee Ann Mancini 

All of us want our children and grandchildren to grow up to be filled with hope, joy, and love rather than the negativism, despair, and pessimism that is so prevalent in the modern era.

[Tweet “Young children have the ability to develop a sense of confidence, trust, and truth that comes from God.”]

Do your children have a strong foundation in Jesus? Do they exhibit the fruit of the Spirit? Young children have the ability to develop a sense of confidence, trust, and truth that comes from God. They develop this from watching their parents respond to the daily challenges of life.

When I was young, there was a picture of Jesus that hung on the wall of our tiny house. My mother would often pray to Jesus and ask him for help. Although I was just a little girl, I remember watching her and feeling happy because I knew that Jesus would take care of all our needs. I developed this strong confidence in God from seeing my mother live out her faith.

At a young age, my mother placed me in Sunday School. I recall that I adored my Sunday School teacher. Like my mother, she was also a woman of great faith. She expressed the love of Jesus to me through her every action. I could tell she loved me dearly, and that love she had for me solidified my desire at a young age to know Jesus.

[Tweet “10 ways for teaching babies and preschoolers about the love of Jesus”]

Here are 10 ideas for teaching babies and preschoolers about the love of Jesus:

  1. The “Jesus Loves Me” Lullaby Teddy Bear by Gund is an adorable baby gift. By the time your child enters preschool, they will be familiar with the words and excitedly exclaim, “I know this song!” when they hear the teacher play it in class. This happened with my son!
  2. Babies love board books that are filled with colorful pictures and fun pages to touch and feel.  All God’s Creatures by Karen Hill is a really good example. It concludes, “Thank you for animals, big and small. Heavenly Father, you made them all!”
  3. Wee Believers https://weebelievers.com offers an adorable stuffed animal lamb that says prayers. BibleToys.com and ThePuppetStore.com also have some great Christian toys for young children.
  4. Breath prayers are wonderful. These are prayers that are short and can be said within one breath. For example, while you are out walking, find a pretty flower to show to your preschooler and say, “Thank you, God, for this beautiful flower!”
  5. Kneel with your child at bedtime and pray with them. Let them see and hear you pray often.
  6. Tell your children how much you love both them and Jesus. I remember telling my kids, “I love you and Jesus so much!” You want your children to learn to say, “I love Mommy, Daddy, and Jesus!” all in the same sentence. As parents, we should never miss an opportunity to help our children build a strong foundation in Christ!
  7. Do arts and crafts projects together that revolve around biblical concepts. You can find a wonderful list of biblical ideas for arts and crafts at http://www.truthforkids.com/crafts-for-bible-lessons.
  8. Throw a Bible-themed birthday party for your kids. Turn their special day into an opportunity to have some godly fun. Make goody bags filled with religious candy and stickers. (Oriental Trading is a good source for these.) Play Christian card games that are educational. ChildrensMinistry.com has a nice list of biblical games for preschoolers ().
  9. Read Bible stories to your kids. There is a plethora of Bibles geared towards young children. Also, read picture books that teach children to pray to Jesus in real life situations. My series, Adventures of the Sea Kids, helps children build a foundation in Christ and learn to love others as Christ loves us. My books are available at.
  10. Most importantly, make sure your children know how much you love Christ. Try to show the love of Christ to everyone you encounter. Remember that your actions speak louder than your words!

Which of the above 10 Ways do you think the young child in your life would enjoy the most?

[Tweet “Lee Ann Mancini has an award-winning series titled, “Adventures of the Sea Kids” that helps children learn how to have a relationship with Jesus,”]

In my mission to help build a strong foundation in Christ for children under seven, I have an award-winning series titled, “Adventures of the Sea Kids” that helps children learn how to have a relationship with Jesus, and how to be like Jesus during difficult situations that children face.

[Tweet “Forever With Jesus by Lee Ann Mancini deals with sin, salvation, and death. Children learn there is nothing to fear about death for those who believe in Jesus!”]

Please visit http://glmpublishing.net/for trailers and more information. Each book has discussion questions, word search, quizzes, and coloring sheets to help parents integrate the biblical principles taught. Also, there is a hidden symbol on each page that the children and parents love to find! Our latest book, Forever With Jesus, deals with sin, salvation, and death. Children learn there is nothing to fear about death for those who believe in Jesus!

HOW TO TEACH BABIES, TODDLERS AND YOUNG CHILDREN BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES USING VARIOUS TOOLS CHILDREN LOVE! By Lee Ann Mancini

We would love to hear about any new ideas or questions you may have!!

It is the responsibility of all adults to help raise the next generation in Christ! 

[Tweet “It is the responsibility of all adults to help raise the next generation in Christ!”]

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of Forever with Jesus. If you received this blog by email, leave a comment here.

HOW TO TEACH BABIES, TODDLERS AND YOUNG CHILDREN BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES USING VARIOUS TOOLS CHILDREN LOVE!

http://www.leeannmancini.com

Lee Ann Mancini’s series Adventures of the Sea Kids, published by GLM Publishing LLC, has won numerous accolades. Lee Ann Mancini graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from Regent University, a Masters in Biblical and Theology Studies from Knox Seminary, and a Masters in Christian Studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. In addition to writing Christian children’s books, Lee Ann is currently an adjunct professor at South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary. Lee Ann also speaks to women groups regarding the redemptive power of the gospel represented though the types of brides of the church.

Lee Ann is married and has two children. She loves to read, jog, and teach the Word of God.

Adventures of the Sea Kids  Facebook link

https://twitter.com/GLMPublishing

August 27, 2018
Return to top of page

Some Women Are Still Like Eve: Listening to the Serpent

15

Have you ever wondered why Satan approached Eve and not Adam in the Garden of Eden? Why didn’t he go up to Adam and start challenging him about whether or not God really said they shouldn’t eat from the tree of wisdom? Let’s review Genesis 3:2-10 NLT:

The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the Lord God had made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?”

2 “Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,” the woman replied. 3 “It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.’”

4 “You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. 5 “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.”

6 The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. 7 At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves.

8 When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the Lord God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the Lord God among the trees. 9 Then the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?”

10 He replied, “I heard you walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.”

[Tweet “When the shrewd serpent, AKA Satan, showed Eve how beautiful and delicious the fruit was, and she wouldn’t need God, Eve caved. “]

When the shrewd serpent, AKA Satan, showed Eve how beautiful and delicious the fruit was, and she wouldn’t need God, Eve caved. Husbands want to please their wives. Since that day, the Devil has made it his mission to get women and men to choose evil over good, Satan’s ways, not God’s ways. Already owning the world, Satan goes after the Christians he loses who turn from their evil ways, repent from their sins, and choose to follow Jesus Christ. Not deterred, Satan still dangles that forbidden fruit in the form of lies, sin, temptations, pride . . . anything that makes us feel we don’t need God, just like when he tempted Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-10).

Jesus used Scripture to fend off Satan. If we’re not grounded in God’s Word, we’re easily deceived and distracted by the Deceiver, the Ruler of this world. Mothers have a huge influence over their children’s beliefs: what they watch on television, the video games they play, the amount of time they spend on electronics, the friends they keep.  A real and present danger is the lure of the secular world on women, and thus goes the next generation.

Since November 8 when the progressive liberals lost the presidential election, they have desperately tried to delegitimatize Donald Trump’s presidency. Refusing to accept defeat, they plotted a “Women’s March” in Washington DC the day after Inauguration Day. Supposedly, these women were marching for “women’s rights,” which were never clearly defined.

The rally featured speeches from activist Gloria Steinem, Planned Parenthood president Cecile Richards, Democrat Elizabeth Warren (a fierce supporter of Hillary Clinton wearing a Planned Parenthood scarf) Madonna, actresses Ashley Judd, America Ferrara, and Scarlett Johansson, and director Michael Moore, among others.

Michael Moore . . . what does he have to do with women’s rights? Nothing! Then a group of largely women senators and other politicians took the stage.

In an article by Meghan Keneally, Good Morning America, titled “Politicians, Activists Rally Crowd at Women’s March in Washington,” Keneally noted: “With the timing and sheer number of people involved, it comes as little surprise that there are various causes attached to the march, which was largely billed as a demonstration in support of women’s rights and civil rights but for many has clear political undertones connected to the inauguration of Donald Trump.

[Tweet “This was obviously not a march for all women’s rights, since they barred all Pro-life groups!”]

This was obviously not a march for all women’s rights, since they barred all Pro-life groups!

This was also not a grassroots movement by a grandmother in Hawaii like the fake news media would have you believe. This was a well-planned Democrats’ attack aimed at President Donald Trump. So only Satan, the father of lies, could lure women, many bringing daughters, into marching for “women’s rights,” when it was actually political activists needing a big crowd to support their own agendas.

[Tweet “So Satan, the father of lies, lured women, many bringing daughters, into marching for “women’s rights,” when it was actually political activists needing a big crowd to support their own agendas.”]

Even when asked why they were marching, most women quoted political election rhetoric, liberal media points, or didn’t have a clear answer. Satan’s trademark is confusion.

Women were the pawns of political interest groups, while supposedly protesting Donald Trump’s treatment of women. Ironic!

Maybe the women missed the fact that Donald Trump appointed Kellyanne Conway as the first woman presidential Campaign Manager and now Counselor and Advisor to the President? She broke a glass ceiling.

Some said they marched because of something Trump said over eleven years ago and publically asked forgiveness for and I wrote a blog about. Instead of granting him forgiveness, they knitted pink hats as idols to memorialize the vulgar word they’re protesting, and now demeaning slang words for women are freely rolling off their lips, yes including their young daughters. And Satan laughs!

[Tweet “women knitted pink hats to memorialize the vulgar word they’re protesting and now the demeaning word for women is freely rolling off all their lips, yes including their young daughters. “]

So hypocritical when many at the march were yelling vulgarities, had obscenities on signs, and were listening to someone like Madonna give a profanity-laced, vulgar talk saying she thought about blowing up the White House. Does anyone see the dichotomy there? These women brought their daughters to hear Madonna who demeans women as sex symbols in her songs and costumes, has a filthy mouth, and talks of bombing the White House! She is a disgrace to womanhood and not a role model for our daughters. And the liberal anti-Trump Hollywood “stars” act in R rated movies exploiting women, participate in explicit sex scenes with other actors, and use vulgar language in movies and call it “art.”

Maybe they think President Trump is a racist? Really, what has he said that’s racist? He wants to help the inner cities and protect America from terrorists and illegals invading our country. He has many black pastors advising and supporting him. Were they marching against that?

Oh maybe they were marching against possibly losing the right to murder their babies, even up to the day before delivery? Ah Satan the tempter again: Did God really say life starts at conception? Did God really say thou shalt not kill?

[Tweet “Sex is a right and a choice, but it is not a right or choice to kill an unborn baby for convenience, pleasure, or wealth”]

Abortion never was or will be a woman’s right. Sex is a right and a choice, but it is not a right or choice to kill an unborn baby for convenience, pleasure, or wealth. Only Satan would tell a woman abortion was a right. But every unborn baby does have a right to life!

Could they be marching about losing Obamacare, because they might lose free abortions or birth control while the cost is skyrocketing and strapping families, businesses, and doctors are overwhelmed with paperwork? There will be a replacement for Obamacare and there are safe clinics that help women get medical checkups and provide help with pregnancies. It’s Satan’s lie that women will lose health benefits without Planned Parenthood.

Exactly what real “rights” were they marching for?

Women love getting together for a cause and climbed on planes, buses, and vans, but listening to them shout obscenities, wave signs with vulgarities, and denounce a newly inaugurated president wasn’t unifying. It isn’t God’s way. It is Satan whispering in their ears: God’s ways don’t work in today’s culture. Your rights are more important! God’s irrelevant in 2017. You don’t need Him. It’s all about you.

And that brings me to my heartbreak: I know Christians were marching.

[Tweet “The liberal progressive activists, who sponsored that march, stand for everything that opposes the Bible. They were marching against God.”]

The liberal progressive activists, who sponsored that march, stand for everything that opposes the Bible and God.

They didn’t open or close in prayer. There was no praise music. Not one pastor spoke. They only mentioned God’s name in vain. Instead they promoted hate, creating unrest, division, disruption, disunity, and denouncing a freely elected President.

Christians don’t support abortion of precious babies, the liberal progressive agenda of same sex marriage, the demonizing of Christian values, the denial of male and female genders, the removal of God from the public square, or the denouncing of Israel  . . . so what would draw a Christian woman to a march like this?

[Tweet “Here’s what Christian women should grab their sneakers and their daughters and hit the streets to march against”]

Here’s what Christian women should grab their sneakers and their daughters and hit the streets to march against: sex trafficking, child prostitution, childhood cancer or any cancer, selling drugs to youth and drug addiction, bullying, abortion. March for Pro Life, to help single moms or for women in countries who really have no rights because American women have amazing rights!

I believe that anyone who would turn out for the liberal “Women’s March” is looking for role models and mentors in all the wrong places. They are listening to the mainstream media and following the culture. The church needs to step up and provide mentors, guidance, and the Truth from the Word of God not from the world! Why are Christian women listening to Hollywood? Madonna? Gloria Steinem? Michael Moore? The same serpent that deceived Eve?

President Trump cannot turn America back to God. It’s time for the women of the church to get involved. How many of you know a woman who marched who you could have counseled? Wake up Christian women. God is calling you to get involved!

I hope you will share this post and pray about how God is calling you to be part of a revival. The doors have opened with President Trump’s and the conservative platform’s victory. Now we must do our part because the battle has just begun.

Brandon and me

I want to close with a personal story to share with any who think abortion is a woman’s “right.” I praise God every day that the 15 year-old Hispanic birth mother of my amazing twelve-year old grandson never went into a Planned Parenthood clinic. Yes, he was her second baby, so they would have eagerly advised her to get a quick abortion and head back to school to continue with her life. But praise God, she chose to give Brandon the right to his life, and blessed a childless couple by choosing them to become the forever parents of this precious gift of God. That young girl did continue with her life knowing she chose to cherish life and will never suffer the haunting nightmares of so many women who chose to sacrifice life.

Read more of Brandon’s story in Dear God, Why Can’t I Have a Baby? A Companion Guide for Couples on the Infertility Journey

If you have had an abortion or know someone considering it please read: Prisoners of Choice.

Another confirming article written by a woman about how women were pawns in what was really a political activists march: Billionaire George Soros Has Ties to more that 50 ‘partners’ to the Women’s March on Washington.

March for Trump

If you received this blog by email, leave a comment here.

January 23, 2017
Return to top of page

What Does It Mean to “Love Your Neighbor” During an Election or Anytime

0

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40

While walking and praying this past week, the Lord put Matthew 22:36-40 on my heart and impressed on me to write a blog post tying it into the November 8, 2016 election. I wrestled with the thought and wondered if He really meant I should write it after the election, when some might be reading this post happy and others upset about the results. I’ve been vocal on social media, trying to encourage Christians to take a stand for the conservative Republican platform in the election and imploring everyone to look at platforms not personalities of the two candidates. One person said she tried not to take a particular side, but to follow “Love your neighbor.” There it was again. I’ve learned that when God really wants me to do something, He doesn’t let up until I get it.

I thought about how often this verse is taken out of context instead of the complete, “Love your neighbor, as yourself.” It’s sometimes used in chastisement or even as a rationalization for accepting sin.

What Does the Greatest Commandment Say About “Love”?

Matthew 22:36-40 says the first thing we’re to do is love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, and soul—love His Word and His ways more than anything else in the world! Everything in us strives to please God first: honor the way He wants us living with a pure heart and mind as the Holy Spirit indwells our soul. God’s standards . . . His Word and His Ways . . . govern every decision and choice we make, every thought we allow in our mind . . . yes, every vote.

Then the second commandment is like it . . . we do the same thing with our neighbor . . . but we don’t just love our neighbor, we love our neighbor as ourselves . . . the same self that loves God with all our mind, heart, and soul. We don’t love our neighbor by the world’s words and ways, but by God’s Word, His Ways, and the Holy Spirit.

Thus the cultural rub. When Christians apply the world’s definition of “love your neighbor” . . . tolerate your neighbor’s sin, just love on them or you’re judging them . . . we aren’t loving our neighbor as ourselves or according to God’s Word, His Ways, and the Holy Spirit. Consequently, many Christians “love their neighbors” straight into hell, without ever telling them about heaven. Not loving or caring about them enough to go to the hard places of talking about good and evil, sin, repentance, forgiveness, and eternal life with Jesus.

The most loving thing any Christian can do is tell someone about Jesus and share the Gospel.

Love them enough to tell about eternity in heaven and the reality of hell.

Meet them where they’re at, but don’t leave them there.

[Tweet “Aren’t you glad someone stepped out of his or her comfort zone to tell you about Jesus and help you make changes in your life “]

Aren’t you glad someone stepped out of his or her comfort zone to tell you about Jesus and help you make changes in your life and ask Jesus for forgiveness? I am. Otherwise, none of us would be Christians today. I would still be wallowing in my backslidden life if Greg Laurie had not loved a whole group of “neighbors” and asked us “Are you ready to die tonight?”

Christians shouldn’t just love ourselves to heaven, we should love our neighbors to heaven too!

How Did Jesus Love His Neighbor?

For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

6 When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. 7 Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. 8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. 9 And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. 10 For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. 11 So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God. Romans 5:5-11 NLT

[Tweet “It’s not easy confronting someone with their sin, but when we don’t, we’re condoning it”]

It’s not easy confronting someone with their sin, but when we don’t, we’re condoning it. We do need to establish a relationship first, then share the Gospel and help them confront their sin, ask for forgiveness, and change their ways. Three biblical examples of Jesus loving his neighbor and introducing them to Himself come to mind.

  • When Jesus met the Samaritan woman at the well, He asked her for a drink (relationship); He told her about living water and eternal life (shared the Gospel); asked about her husband and she admitted she had no husband (confession). He told her he knew she had had five husbands and the man she was living with was not her husband (confronted her sin). He didn’t send her back home to live with her boyfriend, He told her the truth in love (Eph. 4:15). She became the first woman evangelist, “Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, ‘He told me everything I ever did.’” (John 1:4-42)
  • To the woman caught in adultery who he rescued from being stoned to death, He didn’t say: Well they’re all sinners too, we all sin, so no big deal. I don’t condemn you so just be more careful next time. He told her “Go now and leave your life of sin.” (John 8:2-15)
  • Zacchaeus was a fraudulent tax collector. When Jesus saw him he said, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” (Relationship) People were upset at Jesus for going to a “sinner’s” house, but Zacchaeus realized his sin (confronted with sin, he repented) and “Jesus said to him, Today salvation has come to this house.’” (Luke 19:1-10). Salvation not just to Zacchaeus, but to everyone in the house . . . you know Jesus shared the Gospel while he ate with them.

I wrote a blog post that might help with Balancing Grace and Truth.

What Does Love Your Neighbor Have to Do with the Election?

two-platforms

[Tweet “the top five issues of two completely different political platforms that clearly delineate God’s way versus the world’s way”]

So how does this all tie into the election? Let’s look at the top five moral issues of two completely different political platforms that clearly delineate God’s way versus the world’s way—two different Americas. Ask yourself is this what it means to “love my neighbor like myself?” Is this what I want for myself . . . my family . . .  my neighbor? Is this what God wants for His people, for America?

[Tweet “A Christian can’t straddle the line between the two platforms.”]

A Christian can’t straddle the line between the two platforms. You must take a stand for right versus wrong, good versus evil. Some “neighbors” will listen and some like the “progressive liberal atheist” lesbian couple supporting Clinton who told me they want to spend eternity in hell together, or the atheist supporting Clinton who would not answer my question asking if she knows where she will spend eternity—will not listen.

If you love your neighbor enough to hope that someday he or she will know Jesus and be in eternity with you, then you must choose the platform that will allow you to freely share the love of Jesus with your neighbor. As I look at these platforms, it’s clear to me there’s only one choice. If you’re reading this after election day, admittedly it’s going to be harder, but we still must honor Matthew 22:36-40.

  1. Sanctity of human life

Democratic

Democrats seek to repeal the 1976 Hyde Amendment so that federal funds can be used to pay for abortions. The platform says, “We will continue to stand up to Republican efforts to defund Planned Parenthood health centers.” Democrats support ratification of UN efforts that affirm “the reproductive rights of women” globally.

Republican
The GOP asserts the sanctity of human life and affirms, “The unborn child has a fundamental right to life which cannot be infringed.” The party supports a Human Life Amendment making clear that the 14th Amendment’s protections apply to children before birth, and it salutes states that require informed consent, parental consent, waiting periods and clinic regulation.

Question: Did God mean that loving your neighbor should give them the right to murder their unborn baby He created?

  1. Marriage

Democratic
Democrats applaud last year’s Supreme Court ruling that “LGBT people—like other Americans—have the right to marry the person they love.”

Republican
The GOP platform condemns the Supreme Court’s rulings that removed the ability of Congress and the people to define marriage as the union of one man and one woman. The GOP urges the reversal of those decisions, whether through judicial reconsideration or a constitutional amendment.

Question: Did God mean that loving your neighbor should redefine marriage to include same-sex marriage?

  1. Religious freedom—Acknowledging God

Democratic
The Democratic platform says: “We support a progressive vision of religious freedom that respects pluralism and rejects the misuse of religion to discriminate.” The party opposes a religious test to bar immigrants or refugees from entering the country.

Republican
Republicans affirm that religious freedom in the Bill of Rights protects the right of the people to practice their faith in their everyday lives. The platform endorses the First Amendment Defense Act, which would protect faith-based institutions and individuals from government discrimination.

Question: Did God mean that loving your neighbor should condone and legalize sin forcing pastors to perform gay marriages or be punished as we’ve seen with bakers, florists, photographers; students shouldn’t be allowed to use God’s name or Scripture in commencement speeches; Christian businesses like Hobby Lobby should be forced to pay for abortions?

  1. Federal Judges

Democratic
The platform says: “We will appoint judges who defend the constitutional principles of liberty and equality for all, and will protect a woman’s right to safe and legal abortion.”

Republican
The GOP platform states: “A critical threat to our country’s constitutional order is an activist judiciary that usurps powers properly reserved to the people through other branches of government.” The GOP supports the appointment of justices and judges who respect the constitutional limits on their power and respect the authority of the states.

Question: Did God mean that loving your neighbor should allow unrighteous judges to make laws beyond their constitutional limits that enforce and legalize sin?

  1. Israel and Jerusalem

Democratic
The platform states: “We will always support Israel’s right to defend itself, including by retaining its qualitative military edge, and oppose any effort to delegitimize Israel. … While Jerusalem is a matter for final status negotiations, it should remain the capital of Israel, an undivided city accessible to people of all faiths.”

Republican
Republicans express “unequivocal support for Israel,” pointing out that it is the only Middle Eastern country with freedom of speech and freedom of religion. The GOP recognizes “Jerusalem as the eternal and indivisible capital of the Jewish state.” The party opposes the U.N.’s treatment of Israel as a pariah state.

Question: Did God mean that loving your neighbor would mean that America should aid the enemies of our ally and God’s chosen people of Israel?

These five platform issues came from Billy Gramham.org Democratic and Republican Party Platforms. More issues are described on their website.

I hope you take the time to read the platforms before you vote and don’t get caught up in the media rhetoric, because the answers to the above questions will be what we live with in the future, and depending on the results of the election, every believer must remember:

In God we trust, not in man or woman.

[Tweet “In God we trust, not in man or woman.”]

You can still make a difference. The article I wrote for Crosswalk.com might be helpful You Don’t Have to Make Movies or Get Elected to Change Culture.

If you received this post by email, leave a comment here.

November 7, 2016
Return to top of page

6 Things NOT to Say When Someone is Hurting (And What to Say Instead)

28

6 Things NOT to Say When Someone Is Hurting

My friend, fellow author and a The MOM Initiative mentor mom, Lindsey Bell, has a new book, Unbeaten, that I wanted to share with you this week. In today’s blog post, Lindsey shares about something I write about also in both Dear God, They Say It’s Cancer (The-Top-Thirteen-Things-to-Do-or-Say to Someone with Breast Cancer) and Dear God, Why Can’t I Have a Baby? (The Top Fifteen Things Not to Say or Do to Someone Experiencing Infertility). It’s hard to know what to say, or not say, to someone who is in deep emotional or physical pain and so often we say something that hurts rather than helps. We’ve all been there: had something hurtful said to us, or said the wrong thing to someone else.

6 Things NOT to Say When Someone is Hurting (And What to Say Instead)

By Lindsey Bell

One of the most important aspects of mentoring is ministering to someone who is going through a hard time.

[Tweet “One of the most important aspects of mentoring is ministering to someone who is going through a hard time.”]

Unfortunately, there is often confusion as to what is best to say when someone is hurting.

We want to encourage people, not make their pain worse, but we don’t always know what to say.

After each of my four consecutive miscarriages, and during the years of waiting, testing, and grieving, people tried to say things to me that would comfort my broken heart. They meant well, just as most people do when they attempt to comfort someone who is hurting.

Unfortunately, many of their well-intention words did more harm than good.

Here are a few things you should never say to someone who is hurting (and a few ideas of things you can say instead).

[Tweet “6 Things NOT to say to someone who is hurting (and what to say instead) “]

  1. You just need to trust God (or God’s timing or God’s plan, etc.).

While this might be true, it’s not a helpful thing to hear right after a loss or while the pain is still fresh.

Instead, say, “I’m so sorry.”

And that’s it. You don’t have to offer answers to someone going through a hard time.

[Tweet “You don’t have to offer answers to someone going through a hard time. “]

  1. There’s a reason for everything.

Really? Are you sure?

I guess this might be true. There probably is a reason for everything, but maybe that reason is simply that life stinks sometimes. Maybe that reason is that bad things happen.

Maybe there isn’t some theological, deep reason that God allowed this trial into their life. It’s possible, of course, there is a deeper reason. Maybe God is planning to use this situation in some really huge way.

But isn’t it also possible that this bad thing happened simply because it happened…not because it was a part of some huge plan?

Instead, say, “This stinks.”

  1. At least you have….

At least you have another child…. At least you had X number of years with him. At least you have …

I think the reason people say this is because they want the person who is hurting to focus on his or her blessings.

And though it’s certainly helpful to count your blessings, there’s also a time and place for grief. People need to grieve, and pointing out the positives in their situation does not help them grieve.

[Tweet “People need to grieve, and pointing out the positives in their situation does not help them grieve.”]

Having one child does not make the loss of another any easier to swallow. (It might serve as a distraction, but it doesn’t negate the loss of the other child).

A loss is a loss, so it’s better not to minimize that loss by bringing up the positives in the situation.

Instead say, “Can I pray for you right now?”

And then actually do it. Right then. Right there.

  1. Next time will be different (or God is going to fix this or something similar).

I can’t count the number of times people told me this. After our first miscarriage, they told me our next pregnancy would be different. It wasn’t. After our second miscarriage, they said it again. It wasn’t.

The truth is, we don’t know what the future holds, so it’s better not to pretend that we do.

[Tweet “We don’t know what the future holds, so it’s better not to pretend that we do.”]

Instead, say, “I’m going to the grocery store. What can I pick up for you?” Or, “I’m running by Sonic. What kind of drink would you like?”  

People mean well when they say, “Let me know if I can do anything.” But most likely, people won’t take them up on their offer. Instead of offering general assistance, offer to do something specific.

  1. I know how you feel.

No, no, you don’t. Even if you have gone through something very similar, it’s not exactly the same because you are not the same person.

[Tweet “No two pains are exactly the same.”]

No two pains are exactly the same.

Instead, say, “There are no words.”

Because really, there aren’t. There are no words that will instantly fix their situation.

  1. God won’t ever give us more than we can handle.

This statement bothers me for two reasons.

First, is makes it sound like God is the one handing out the painful situations. God allows death, but I don’t think he “gives” it to us.

Secondly, I’ve never seen this idea in Scripture anywhere. In fact, I’ve seen many examples of the opposite.

I’ve seen God allowing really hard things into peoples’ lives so they will learn to trust in Him.

Instead, say NOTHING. Just be there.

What other things would you add to this list?

If you received this post by email, leave a comment here.

This post is part of Lindsey’s blog tour to celebrate her new Bible study and devotional, Unbeaten: How Biblical Heroes Rose Above Their Pain (and you can too).

To celebrate her book, she’s giving away a HUGE bundle of books! Leave a comment on this post to be entered to win. You can get more entries by commenting on other blogs in the tour as well. Get a full list of participating blogs here: www.lindseymbell.com/unbeaten-is-here-win-this-huge-bundle-of-books.

Unbeaten Cover

About Unbeaten:

Why does life have to be so hard? If you’ve ever asked this question, you’re not alone. Difficult times often leave Christians searching the Bible for answers to some of life’s most difficult questions.

Questions like:

Does God hear me when I pray?

Why isn’t He doing anything?

Does He even care?

In Unbeaten: How Biblical Heroes Rose Above Their Pain (and you can too), Lindsey Bell walks with readers through the stories of men and women in the Bible who went through difficult situations. In this 10-week Bible study and devotional, she addresses many of these questions and helps readers learn how they too can be unbeaten.

IMG_0062

About Lindsey Bell:

Lindsey Bell is the author of the Bible study and devotional, Unbeaten, and of the parenting devotional, Searching for Sanity. She’s a stay-at-home mother of two silly boys, a minister’s wife, an avid reader, and a lover of all things chocolate. Lindsey writes weekly at www.lindseymbell.com about faith, family, and learning to love the life she’s been given.

April 18, 2016
Return to top of page

Prisoners of “Choice” by Patti Smith

6

As believers, we know God’s timing is perfect; we just need to listen for His voice and obediently follow the guidance and direction He gives us daily. My ears are always open to His voice, and I’m looking for God in every circumstance of my life. Several weeks ago, I posted on Facebook this article, The Power of Pro-Life Women: It’s time to harness “feminine authority” to protect the unborn. I added this comment:

This is a great article. Women deserve better than abortion. They’ll have to live with the grief, trauma, guilt, sin, and consequences for the rest of their lives. Abortion is not a “women’s issue”; rather, it is a human issue that affects women uniquely” and women need to speak out against it offering hope, encouragement, and support for saving human lives. Men can only speak intellectually … women speak from experience. Don’t let Hilary be the women’s voice in the next election.

A short while after posting that comment, I received a Facebook Private message from Patti Smith: “Don’t know if you read my blog post about pro-life feminists but here is the link.” Patti sent me the link to today’s blog post, which I’m sharing with her permission. It’s a powerful article and a dramatic window into the other side of the Pro-choice feminist rhetoric about women’s health and right to her body.

Patti’s article here, along with the newly released Sidewalk Chronicles, in which Patti appears, should encourage you to be the “feminist” voice for why Prolife is the healthiest choice and right of women and babies. Sidewalk Chronicles is about an hour long, so after you read this blog post, grab a cup of coffee or tea, and listen to the voices of women like Patti who know the tragic effects of abortion on the life of the woman. It exposes the ugly truth that Planned Parenthood never tells women, and exposes the ignorance of “Pro Choice” advocates who are clueless about the prison of guilt and shame these women experience.

This article will also help women struggling with the abortion choices they’ve made in the past. At the end of the post there are post-abortive helpful resources.

For now, read Patti’s account of using her testimony to help women who have had abortions and find themselves not only in an emotional prison … but also inmates in physical prison.

PRISONERS OF “CHOICE”

by PATTI SMITH

hands1

Three of us stood at a bulletproof window separating us from an armed, uniformed receptionist. She slid a sign-in sheet and black pen through a small opening and asked us to sign it and exchange our driver’s licenses for a visitor’s badge. I thought back to the orientation: In the case of lock-down, visitors will be escorted out; however, under certain circumstances they may be required to stay until the situation is resolved. What was I getting myself into? Maybe my husband was right, and I should have declined the invitation to co-lead one of the, post-abortion healing retreats that Rachel’s Hope takes into the local women’s jail.

The metal door opened and for security reasons, we had to go through one door at a time. I was first, and as the door thundered shut behind me, I faced another metal door. Being claustrophobic, I started breathing heavily in this little portal, even though it was only seconds before the second door opened.

The chaplain and biggest supporter of bringing post-abortion healing to incarcerated women, waited for us on the other side of the doors. The retreat was in the library on the opposite side of the facility. Curious eyes followed us as we passed the high chain link fences that enclosed small yard areas outside each dorm-style cell. The cells seemed absent of any form of comfort or homeyness … just bunk beds and bare walls.

We arrived at the library and began making the room less institutionalized: more inviting and calming to create an environment that would help the participants forget for a while where they were. Open flames weren’t allowed, so we scattered battery-operated candles around the room. The chaplain provided pencils … the tiny ones used by golfers because larger ones are potential weapons. We brought in a variety of snacks—a special treat for participating in the program and one more way to make the women feel special.

[Tweet “I expected to see cold-hearted criminals, smacking gum, and sneering at the “church ladies,”]

I expected to see cold-hearted criminals, smacking gum, and sneering at the “church ladies,” but as the seven women entered, I was taken aback. Although displaying pleasure with the décor and practically drooling over the snacks, they were visibly anxious and nervously chatting among themselves. One inmate, Ann, told me later that she, as well as the others, avoided approaching “the ladies” in fear of saying something stupid or wrong. In addition to anxiety, their faces displayed defeat, sadness, and pain.

Sharing Their Abortion Stories

The first activity involved going around the room and sharing our abortion stories. We three co-leaders went first. As we spoke, the women nodded their heads and exchanged knowing looks. Although I was the only co-leader that suffered from alcoholism, albeit sixteen year sober, and institutionalized for depression, we all had past demons. While we shared, the women whispered, “Them too?”

[Tweet “All but one in the group had obtained multiple abortions, including Susan, who had over ten, using it as birth control “]

Their offenses primarily related to drug and alcohol possession, possession for sale, and some cases theft and assault. All but one in the group had obtained multiple abortions, including Susan, who had over ten. They either had been encouraged to abort by parents or a significant other, felt it was best due to their living situation, or as Susan candidly disclosed, “a form of birth control.”

They tried to maintain a sense of “being cool” while sharing their stories, but it didn’t take long before the dam of pain and remorse broke, releasing torrents of tears. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding their pregnancies, they weren’t prepared for the havoc their “choice” would wreak on their lives.

Abortion Often Leads to Destructive/Abusive Behavior

[Tweet “Substance abuse is common among many women trying to deal with the emotional turmoil from abortion”]

Substance abuse is common among many women trying to deal with the emotional turmoil from abortion. It’s a temporary way to forget or minimize what we have done; however, the negative feelings continue to surface, which leads to more and more self-medicating. Dependence increases to the point of desperation and total loss of control. These women were all involved with drugs and alcohol at some level, and hearing their stories, I thought, There but for the grace of God, go I.

I’m a recovering alcoholic. Abusing alcohol was the method I used to forget my two abortions. I drove drunk all the time, but never got caught. I could have easily caused an accident resulting in injury or death to another person and ended up attending this jail retreat instead of co-leading.

[Tweet “While drugs and/or alcohol are used to numb emotional pain of abortion, they also disclose other self-destructive behavior, such as promiscuity. “]

While drugs and/or alcohol are used to numb emotional pain, they also disclose other self-destructive behavior, such as promiscuity. None of these women served time for prostitution, but they all admitted to numerous sexual encounters. Again, the same applied to me; in fact, I had a nickname back in the day: “Pass around Patti.” Sex is a weapon to combat self-loathing. We’re duped by the misguided notion that sex equals love, so the more love, the better. Eventually, we come to our senses and end up demoralized and ashamed.

In an attempt to “settle down,” we try to become monogamous, and end up in multiple unsatisfying, or sometimes abusive, relationships. I’ve been engaged too many times to count, entered into several affairs with married men, and am on husband number three. A distorted self-image makes us feel undeserving of being truly happy so we “settle,” which only adds more misery to our already fragile emotional state.

Assault behavior can stem from suppressing feelings of lack of control in our lives, and subsequently, those feelings escape in the form of physical violence. When we transfer the pain to another, the relief is so great; it mimics a chemically induced “high.” Just as with drugs and alcohol, however, the “high” eventually dissipates, and the need for relief returns. Personally, I resorted to verbal assaults, lashing out at loved ones for no reason. The pain I inflicted left emotional scars as ugly as any physical ones. I spared no one in my family or circle of friends.

When discussing destructive behaviors and consequences, each of these women disclosed something that had not even crossed my mind. In an odd twist of fate, their self-destructive methods of dealing with the emotional turmoil of abortion(s) eventually resulted in losing custody, temporarily or permanently, of the children they chose to keep. This happens on the “outside” as well. Self-destructive behavior doesn’t always lead to illegal activity, but threatens the well-being of children.

[Tweet “Self-destructive behavior doesn’t always lead to illegal activity, but threatens the well-being of children. “]

As for me, I never lost custody of a child, but I did purposely lose the ability to have one. I convinced a doctor to give me a tubal ligation at the age of thirty, and I know of other women compelled to do the same.

[Tweet “All destructive behaviors, illegal or otherwise, are a way of coping that reflects a form of self-punishment. “]

All destructive behaviors, illegal or otherwise, are a way of coping that reflects a form of self-punishment. Three of the inmates admitted to having suicidal thoughts, a permanent solution to end the pain and anguish. Their admission brought back memories of the darkness I experienced prior to institutionalization for being suicidal and telling the psychiatrist that I was already dead inside and just wanted to finish the job.

The Lies of the Abortion Industry Revealed

As the retreat progressed, we grew to love these women, and when it was over, we hated to say good-by. Although we weren’t supposed to have physical contact, hugs were in order.

When I initially walked through those metal doors, I expected to find a significant difference between “them” and “us.” Instead, I realized we are all sisters in suffering that fell prey to the pro-choice rhetoric. We experienced the same pain, remorse, and regret, and exhibited the same behaviors, just to different extents. We used whatever means necessary in an attempt to find peace and regain control of our lives.

[Tweet “The abortion industry uses the feminist movement as its primary marketing target”]

The abortion industry uses the feminist movement as its primary marketing target by promoting “my body; my choice” as a source of empowerment. But empowerment requires that a woman feels comfortable in her own skin, confident, and at peace. Once a woman has an abortion, empowerment slowly slips away leaving a gaping wound in her soul filled with pain, self-hatred, guilt, shame, and remorse.

[Tweet “The number of pro-life feminists is growing,”]

The number of pro-life feminists is growing, which actually should be the rule rather than the exception. They are the ones not only fighting for the rights of the unborn, but for the well-being of women. They are exposing the lies perpetuated by the abortion industry; the lies that lead women to believe that choosing abortion over life is a source of empowerment with no ill effects.

Really? Take a walk with me behind that metal door.

If you received this post by email, leave a comment here.

Note from Patti: I am not claiming incarcerated post-abortive women are there because of their abortion. They’re incarcerated due to their actions. However, the psychological effects of their “choice” could have easily exacerbated other contributing factors.

Note from Janet: All names, expect Patti’s, are fictitious, but the story is all too real! Please share this post, and let’s all become “Prolife feminists” who support the right to life and the right to a woman not experiencing the emotional, physical, and spiritual ravages of abortion. Listen to Sidewalk Chronicles for ways to help these women save their baby’s life and their own lives.

Rachel’s Hope is located in San Diego, CA, but there’s also an international program Rachel’s Vineyard, and many others listed at Silent No More.

Patti Smith

Patti J. Smith serves as Regional Coordinator for the Silent No More Awareness Campaign, leads Rachel’s Hope After-Abortion Healing Retreats, and recently developed a follow-up retreat, “The Healing Continues,” a contemplative/meditative one-day program to reflect on life after healing. She has shared her testimony at the San Francisco Walk for Life, speaks at a variety of venues in the San Diego area, and appears in the recently released documentary, Sidewalk Chronicles, She has also been a guest on Immaculate Heart, Cradle My Heart, and Blogtalk Radio as well as Radio Maria.

Patti is the author of Moments with God, and Redeemed, co-authored a Christian romance series, and is completing Volume 4 of her own Christian suspense series. Visit Patti’s blog.

2decover_1160x1637(13)-1PAPER1-1

September 21, 2015
Return to top of page

Seek Community During Infertility

0

Yesterday was Easter, the hope that every Christian has of eternity because our Savior died on a cross and arose three days later. That’s the only true and meaningful purpose of Easter. Many families gather together to celebrate Easter and fun traditions for the kids are Easter baskets, Easter egg hunts, and the little ones all dressed up in their Easter outfits. And that is why Easter can be a heartache for a mommy-in-waiting who has dreamed of having a little one to do all those fun things with at Easter. Her life can seem hopeless, even in light of the hope of the Cross. A day that should fill her with joy, only reminds her more of her empty arms. It’s for that reason that some couples struggling with infertility avoid family gatherings at holidays. My daughter and step-daughter know about this personally as they shared in my book Dear God, Why Can’t I Have a Baby?

Today’s guest post is written by Lisa Newton, author of 31 Days of Prayer During Infertility:

31-days-IF-cover

“Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.”- Galatians 6:2

When you’re struggling with infertility, one of the best things you can do for yourself is to connect with other women who are also dealing with it.

[Tweet “When you’re struggling with infertility, one of the best things you can do for yourself is to connect with other women”]

Oh, it can feel like a big risk to befriend someone else in similar circumstances as you. You may start to worry about what you’ll do if her treatments work and yours don’t. Or how do you tell her when you get pregnant and she’s still not? You might think that dealing with your own pain and your own suffering is hard enough. Why would you want to open yourself up to someone else’s pain, too?

But Galatians 6:2 directs us to share each others burdens. It doesn’t make sense from our earthly perspective, but when we connect with others who are struggling our own burdens are eased in the process.

[Tweet “When we connect with others who are struggling our own burdens are eased in the process. “]

When I first received my infertility diagnosis, I kept it to myself. I didn’t share it with friends or family because I thought I needed privacy. I’m an introvert, so I often quote the verses that describe Jesus withdrawing to solitude in order to pray (Luke 5:16). But I came to realize God’s presence is near when we are in community (Matt. 18:20). His comfort, encouragement, and wisdom often comes to me through conversations I have with other infertility survivors.

[Tweet “If I want to be more Christlike, I must seek out community.”]

And the fact is that Jesus’ entire public ministry happened with eleven other men—his community! So if I want to be more Christlike, I must seek out community. Now I can’t image walking this journey without the prayers, love, and support I receive from my infertility community.

The fact that you’re reading this post means that you’re open to the idea of hearing about other’s experiences with infertility. Let me encourage you to take it a step further and reach out. You don’t have to start your own blog and publish every detail of your experience. Just take a small step and share a part of your story with someone.

I’d love to connect with you over at my blog. There’s also a wonderful online infertility community on Twitter. If you’d prefer an in-person connection, check out the RESOLVE website to see if there’s an infertility group in your local area. Or, if you know of someone who’s currently suffering from infertility or has suffered from it in the past, ask them if they’d be willing to go out for coffee and talk a bit.

Be brave. Bear someone’s burdens. Have your own burdens eased in the process.

[Tweet “Be brave. Bear someone’s burdens. Have your own burdens eased in the process.”]

Have you experienced your burdens being eased by community? Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments.  

 Newtonheadshot (1)

Lisa Newton blogs about her infertility journey and the faith that gets her though it at AmateurNester.com. She lives with her husband, Tom, their orange cat, Hemingway, on the Central Coast of California. She’s the author of the 31 Days of Prayer During Infertility eBook and was a 2014 nominee for RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association’s Hope Aware for Best Blog. You can follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.  

April 6, 2015
Return to top of page
« Previous Page
Next Page »
Return to top of page · Copyright © 2025 Crown Laid Down Designs All Rights Reserved · Our Privacy Policy